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Gonzaga set to take on UCLA in NCAA Sweet 16 matchup

HOUSTON, Tex. — The Gonzaga Bulldogs are hoping to stamp a spot in the Elite 8 in this year's NCAA Tournament.

KIRO 7's Jeff Dubois is in Houston following the Zags as they get ready for Friday’s huge Sweet 16 matchup.

The site of Friday night’s big matchup between Gonzaga and UCLA is NRG Stadium, the home of the Houston Texans, but it's been transformed into the stage for the Sweet 16.

There are two games there on Friday. The first is Gonzaga at 4:15 p.m. The Zags haven't been this deep in the tournament since 2009. Ironically, in 2006, the favored Zags were knocked out of the Sweet 16 round by UCLA.

But that was nine years ago. The Bulldogs have played the Bruins numerous times in the regular season since then.  UCLA lost just once at home this season, but it was Gonzaga that dished out that defeat.

To say that the 87-74 loss in December is serving as extra motivation for the Bruins (21-13) as they prepare for a rematch against the second-seeded Bulldogs (34-2) might be an understatement.

"We take pride in defending our home court and they're the only team that came in there and beat us this year. We've got a chip on our shoulder about that,” said UCLA's Kevon Looney.

Gonzaga coach Mark Few knows the Bruins will be looking for revenge for that loss and that they are dangerous despite being a No. 11 seed.

"They're playing with a high level of confidence right now. They're on a roll,” said Few.

Gonzaga will throw everything they can at UCLA to try and make it to the Elite 8 for the second time in school history.

They would play either Utah or Duke, depending on which team wins Friday night after the Zags.

Fans from Spokane to Seattle and beyond will be in Houston rooting them on.

Follow Jeff Dubois on Facebook (/JeffDuboisKIRO7) and Twitter (@JeffKIRO7) for the latest updates and watch the games on KIRO 7.